"Hellbangers started in 1996 when the local Metalheads from the Mosel area met the guys (Desaster and friends) from the Koblenz area and we thought we could gather all the local Metalheads from all the small villages in the area under one flag. Originally it was only Hellbangers "Moselfranken" and around 10 years later some Finnish maniacs asked if they could open a "chapter" and most guys here said "ok". Who started it? Not really sure, but I think it was Okkulto (ex-Desaster) and myself. We wanted something in the vein of HMFC Velbert, you know". This short introduction was provided to me by Costa Stoios when I asked him some historical facts behind the "infamous" Hellbangers Metal fan club. Throughout the years I’ve read so many cool stories about this gathering of maniacs which contrary to most Metal clubs (I know), seems to be really interesting and active with some of its members being involved in bands, labels, fanzines etc. I guess it was about time that a release demonstrating the essence of this really cool Metal fanclub was released. It is not surprising that the task of putting everything together was undertaken by Costa Stoios who as you may already figured out is one of the masterminds behind the Hellbangers idea. Regarding the release now, this is a compilation with songs from: URN, DESASTER, HAR SHATAN, WITCHBURNER, ANGEL OF DAMNATION, MIDNIGHT RIDER, NOCTURNAL, FLAME, FERALIS, METALUCIFER, METAL INQUISITOR, EVIL WITCH and BRITISH STEEL. The first thing that strikes as a positive impression is the diversity among the bands included, from Thrash, Black to Heavy Metal it seems that all "Hellbangers" fight on the same side. Personally it sounds more like a big Metal party where every band shows its loyalty and dedication to Metal beyond genres, categorizations and that’s what makes this release so damn cool! I really don’t want to comment on each track separately because every band does some really good job in its sector and although I might have some "favorites" this is irrelevant to the presentation of this really interesting release. For vinyl maniacs it has been also released as a killer gatefold LP which pays justice to the really cool cover of the compilation and besides… vinyl is much cooler! Don’t overlook this really cool compilation! www.iron-pegasus.de